I love having my family together.  Especially on Sunday.  We can attend worship as a family and that just makes it extra special.  I realize that the time is fast approaching when my kids will be gone.  I’ll miss having them around.  But I know the season’s of life must come.  Until then….I’ll cherish all the time we have together.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

You know the story. You’ve read the book (most likely). You may have even watched one of the many movies made about the book. But now, A Christmas Carol is out by Disney and it’s awesome! Very well made but oh so scary! I wouldn’t take my little kids to see it. The message is still a good one.

Be nice. Love people. Share. Put other’s before yourself. Think positively. Have compassion. Give when you can. Live life to the fullest.

I try to live like that everyday. Sure, I fall short at times. But really….I want to bless other’s with my life. This story is always a good reminder to be genuine and to love people with your whole heart. What kind of legacy will you leave behind? Will it be like Scrooge or his partner? Or will it be of someone who blessed others?

Last week, I was privileged to watch with my very own eyes as a friend and her faith grew! She had been hurting financially and the stress was just about to overtake her. She was down to eating eggs and on her last tank of gas (she commutes to school about an hour).

Back on my birthday (Oct)…I won a $10 giftcard to Kroger. Somehow the blogger transposed the numbers on my zipcode and it never came. I contacted her just to make sure that I hadn’t received it and tossed it out. She apologized and said she was resending it and that she was adding another $5 to it. I thought, “Wow, cool!”. It came and I set to the side forgetting it everytime I went to the store. Then my friend tells me…..about the eggs. I knew immediately that I could help and I did. Long story short…..I shared with 2 other friends (confidentially) and both were able to do even more for my very needy friend.

IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!
Try it…..you’ll see!

We like eating in my family! It’s one of our favorite things to do. Food just makes us happy! Maybe you like it too. When I find something new to make….I can’t think of anything else until I do it! That was the case yesterday. I had been mulling over a snack mix recipe and a little emergency run to the bank put me in a position to grab the ingredients.

Oh did I just mention…..an emergency run to the bank? Yea, I did….didn’t I? All I can say is that I’m so glad the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s heartwarming to know that of all the things we’ve passed along to our children…..”learning everything the hard way!!” is at the top of the list!

Long story short! Gavin’s car was towed at IU! Cost? $110! If I hadn’t gone RIGHT THEN? It would have been an additional $50! Yea, Merry Christmas! 🙂

Back to a man in the kitchen! Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Tyler Mote (my daughter’s TLF) came to town and when I couldn’t get anybody else to help….he volunteered to make the yummy snack mix! I love that boy! Not only was it EASY….but oh my goodness it was delicious! Scrumptious!

You must make it! Go…now….do it!

Vanilla Party Mix

10oz bag of litte pretzels
1 bag chocolate M & M’s
1 bag vanilla chips
5 C. Rice Chex cereal
3 T. oil

Mix together in a large bowl….pretzels, M & M’s, Rice chex. In microwave safe bowl….melt the vanilla chips with oil. Once melted, pour over goodies in the large bowl and mix. Pour onto a large pan covered with wax paper and let cool. Break apart and enjoy!